Southampton, Hampshire
Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to Hampshire events to enjoy across the county in every season.
From city celebrations and outdoor festivals to family attractions and seasonal events, Hampshire offers an exciting calendar of events throughout 2026. This summer, in Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with a host of events and a 100 things to see and do - one of the highlights is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront, perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore - on from the 13 July - 13 September (F). It's the final weekend of the Basingstoke Festival 4 - 5 July, with street theatre, acrobatics, and world-class performances - free to visit (F), whilst in East Hampshire now is the perfect time to visit the beautiful Lavender Fields near Alton. In Winchester, the brand new outdoor Play Wild opens at Winchester Science Centre from the 18 July, inviting curiosity and discovery through science and nature-themed play.
Get your skates on down to Southampton's RollerLand at Westquay, for roller skating lessons, regular and late skate sessions this summer, 17 - 30 August, plus the chance to enjoy some retail therapy at more 70 stores, including John Lewis. The fantastic fast and furious British Motor Show returns to Farnborough from 21 - 23 August, with supercars, a test-driving zone, pit lane experience and festival fields. If you book before the 16 August you can save up to 20% on ticket prices.
From scenic coastlines and vibrant events to cosy villages, walking trails and excellent places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal destination for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 summer adventure today and discover some of the county's top events, attractions and experiences.
Grab your calendar and take a look at what's happening in Hampshire over the coming months with our featured events list or scroll to the bottom and discover hundreds of events happening today, this weekend and across this year.
You can find a wide range of events taking place across Hampshire today and this weekend, including theatre shows, interactive workshops, wildlife experiences and outdoor events in the Hampshire countryside. Use the date filters above, or browse the listings to find lots of inspiration and ideas for something happening near you. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (Free) taking place.
If you're travelling from outside the county for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs. Search Hampshire accommodation to plan your stay, whether your choose the coastal city of Portsmouth or Southampton, Winchester - the ancient capital of England - or a more rural stay in Chawton or Alton, East Hampshire.
Yes, Hampshire hosts a wide range of family-friendly events throughout the year, from nature trails, outdoor festivals, science fairs and interactive school holiday activities. Use the 'type filter' in the search box above and choose family to find suitable events. During the summer holidays and key seasonal periods, you'll find even more events designed for children and families, with activities suitable for all ages.
The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for what's on this weekend or planning further ahead, you'll find plenty of inspiration. If you're local or visiting Hampshire for the first time, use the 'Map View' button to discover events happening near you.
Some of the events below take place on the Isle of Wight, which is easily accessible by ferry or hovercraft from Portsmouth or Lymington.
Number of results: 152
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Friday December 4, Saturday 5, Friday 11, Saturday 12
Doors open 5:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm
Kick off the festive season with a magical evening with the Hawk Conservancy Trust's owls! They'll be flying their awesome owls under moonlight…
Arts
Southampton
About the Event
Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.
Each artist…
Music
Winchester
Sit back and relax to the nostalgic sights and sounds of the retro full dome Planetarium visualisation of Pink Floyd's iconic album, Wish You Were Here at Winchester Science Centre.
Arts
Admirals Quay, Ocean Way,, Southampton
About the Event
Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.
Each artist…
Health & Wellbeing
Waterlooville
Join us round the fire in one of our historic buildings for an evening of yoga, relaxation, and personal growth in one of our monthly yoga classes.
Fireworks
Portsmouth
The Portsmouth Fireworks Display returns for 2026, with a spectacular event planned for Southsea Common.
Festival
Southampton
Music in the City is Southampton’s premier music event celebrating and promoting the wonderful diversity of musical talent within Southampton City for the benefit of all residents and city visitors.
Carnival
Ryde
Ryde Children's Carnival Day on the Isle of Wight Join Ryde Carnival for some free family fun as we celebrate Children's Carnival Day. Lots of activities and entertainment will take place in different locations around Ryde town centre.
Family…
Performing Arts
New Forest
This Is My Theatre presents The Great Gatsby on Thursday 13 August 2026.
Step into the roaring 1920s, where the champagne flows, the jazz trumpet blows, and the American Dream gleams with irresistible allure. This electrifying stage adaptation of F…
Exhibitions
Farnborough
The Greatest Show on Wheels is back, bigger and more exciting than ever! The British Motor Show 2026 held at Farnborough International, 21st -23rd August brings you an incredible mix of jaw-dropping cars, thrilling live action, hands-on experiences,…
General event
Southampton
Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing the cruise ships Iona, MSC Virtuosa, Sky Princess, Ventura in berth, and on your return see a number of the ships depart - always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’!…
Carnival
Sandown
Sandown Bay Regatta on the Isle of Wight Annual summer celebration of Sandown Bay with FREE family entertainment from the stage, beach fun at the Beach Sports Arena and a street market lining Sandown Esplanade.
Family entertainment For the…
Carnival
Ryde
Ryde Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight The very last carnival of the summer, Ryde Carnival's illuminated procession is a fabulous spectacle of light and music that rounds the Isle of Wight carnival season off in style.
Carnival route …
Carnival
Sandown
Sandown Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight Join in the fun and spectacle of Sandown's Illuminated Carnival!
Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.
Festival
Portsmouth
Victorious Festival returns for 2026 - bringing some of the biggest bands and artists to Southsea Common.
Special Events
New Forest
Beaulieu Supercar Weekend will return on Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 August 2026. This must-see family spectacular brings some of the world's most exclusive and desirable motors to Beaulieu.
This event is a must for all supercar enthusiasts, providing an…
Childrens Events
New Forest
Horrible Histories® bring the Vile Victorians to Beaulieu!
From 23 May to 31 August follow Rattus, the cheeky rat from Horrible Histories, on a trail around the attraction packed with dreadful discoveries, delightfully disgusting details and plenty…
Water Based Activities
Beaulieu
Beaulieu River Tours with New Forest Activities are great for those looking for a good amount of time out on the water.
Paddle down the Beaulieu River in the stable 'Canadian style' canoes and explore the history, wildlife of this beautiful part of…
Arts
Swanwick Shore Road, Swanwick, Southampton
About the Event
Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.
Each artist…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Friday September 11
4:30pm-7:30pm
Planning your unique wedding day? Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust for an enchanting evening to discover what your dream wedding day could look like at the Hawk Conservancy Trust!
Filled with wedding inspiration,…
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